What an eye-opening experience this has been... moving from a metropolitan area to a small town / rural part of the state.  I have worked for several years  providing Occupational Therapy services for children on the ASD spectrum.  This is my passion... to see these great kids and young adults reach their full potential.  I have been part of a transdisciplinary team that includes amazing professionals who have mentored me every step of the way.

But,  here I am in a small town that has very little experience serving children with Autism.  School districts don't have the funds that were available in my previous district and therapists are mostly contracted in through a for-profit company.  Team meetings generally are non-existent and therapists are stretched way too thin.  The needs are great, and I know I have something to offer... I just don't know how.

Do I "sell my soul" to the for-profit organization knowing full well they will not allow me to do the job I know needs to be done?  Do I take a job as an aide, hoping to at least make a difference in the life of one child (barely making enough money to pay for gas into work)?  I have found work here and there and am currently driving an hour and a half each way one day a week to work in a school district's ASD preschool.  But I know I could be doing more in my local area.